Young Adults With T1DM Show Muscle Metabolic Deficiencies

WEDNESDAY, April 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Physically active young adults with type 1 diabetes have alterations in mitochondrial ultrastructure and bioenergetics within skeletal muscle, according to a study published online April 18 in Diabetologia.

The researchers found that, compared with the control group, participants with type 1 diabetes had significantly lower mitochondrial oxidative capacity, specifically at Complex II of the electron transport chain, with no between-group differences in mitochondrial content. Increased mitochondrial H2O2 emission at Complex III and decreased Ca2+ retention capacity was seen in muscles of those with type 1 diabetes relative to controls. Participants with type 1 diabetes had an increase in the size and number of autophagic remnants in muscles; however, levels of the autophagic regulatory protein, phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase, and its downstream targets were similar between groups.

"Alterations in mitochondrial ultrastructure and bioenergetics are evident within the skeletal muscle of active young adults with type 1 diabetes," the authors write. "It is yet to be elucidated whether more rigorous exercise may help to prevent skeletal muscle metabolic deficiencies in both active and inactive individuals with type 1 diabetes."